Newly retired Derek Jeter announced about a year ago that he’d transition from ball player to book publisher. On Wednesday, the former Yankee great took that a step further: He’s also a digital publisher.

Jeter launched The Players’ Tribune, a website meant to give athletes a platform to share their “unfiltered” views to fans. Coming from a player who would deflect many of the questions thrown at him, the irony isn’t lost on him.

“I do think fans deserve more than “no comments” or “I don’t knows.” Those simple answers have always stemmed from a genuine concern that any statement, any opinion or detail, might be distorted. I have a unique perspective. Many of you saw me after that final home game, when the enormity of the moment hit me. I’m not a robot. Neither are the other athletes who at times might seem unapproachable. We all have emotions. We just need to be sure our thoughts will come across the way we intend.

“So I’m in the process of building a place where athletes have the tools they need to share what they really think and feel. We want to have a way to connect directly with our fans, with no filter.”

Derek Jeter’s last game as a Yankee will be Sept. 28, against the Red Sox. (Mike Stobe, Getty Images)

New York Times Magazine republished a 1991 scouting report of Derek Jeter, when Yankees scout Dick Groch discovered the scrawny high school junior at a talent identification camp.

The “discovery” happened by accident, really. The Yankees were considering a Stanford outfielder named Jeffrey Hammonds and a right-handed pitcher Jim Pittsley as draft picks. But Groch was in the area and decided to stop at this camp “to break up the day.”

And then he saw Jeter, a 159-pound shortstop from Kalamazoo, Mich.

“A Yankee!,” Groch wrote in his report. “A five-tool player. Will be a (major league) star. +5!!”

A year later, a Colorado Rockies scout took notice of the high school shortstop. “This guy is special,” the Rockies report read. “You get excited just watching him warm up. All-Star potential at MLB level.”

The Rockies had the 27th pick in the 1992 draft that year and never had a shot at getting Jeter. The Yankees swooped him up at No. 6. Rockies chose John Burke, a Colorado-born pitcher who pitched only 10 career games.

But now, more than 22 years, five World Series titles, 14 all-star appearances and five Gold Gloves later, it seem both scouts nailed their analyses of Jeter.

Rockies all-star Troy Tulowitzki, who will captain the National League’s Home Run Derby team, announced three members of his five-man team on Tuesday, including the Marlins’ Giancarlo Stanton, the Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig, and the Reds’ Todd Frazier. The last pick will be named Thursday, he said.

Tulowitzki, as captain, is the fifth member of the team.

“Bunch of guys with a lot of power,” Tulowitzki said of the NL team. “More than that, they’re good guys. I’ve got to know them throughout the years. Puig’s always been good to me. Stanton I’ve known. And Frazier, I know he has some experience in Williamsport, watching him in the Little League World Series. He has a flare for the dramatic. And his power is special as well.”

The final spot could go to Tulo’s teammate, Justin Morneau, who would enjoy a homecoming of sorts. Morneau, who is playing a solid first base in his first season with the Rockies, was with the Minnesota Twins — host of the 2014 MLB All-Star Game — from 2003-13.

“Yeah, it’s a possibility,” Tulowitzki said. “I think if he wins that final vote, there’s possibly a chance. It would make a good storyline — he played for the Twins for all those years. So that would be cool. He’s definitely on the list if he makes the team. There are a couple of other guys who’ve lobbied as well, who would be good choices.”

Morneau’s other avenue to the Midsummer Classic is MLB’s “Final Vote” — an MLB.com balloting program to determine the final all-star player in each league. The Final Vote will end at 2 p.m. Mountain time Thursday.

Troy Tulowitzki, center, selected Yasiel Puig, left, and Giancarlo Stanton to the National League Home Run Derby team. (Getty Images)

Troy Tulowitzki, as captain of the National League’s home run derby team for next week’s All-Star Game in Minnesota, is in charge of picking four other sluggers for the team.

And he’s on the end of a hard lobbying effort from other players.

“Hopefully everybody is happy,” Tulowitzki said of his looming final decision.

Tulowitzki said he will announce that team on Tuesday. In the meantime, his phone is blowing up with text messages — many from players lobbying for their teammates to get on the team, he said.

Tulo has mentioned that Miami’s Giancarlo Stanton is all but on the team. And he’s hinted the Yasiel Puig is a top candidate. Tulo and Puig were chatting Sunday after a series finale between the Rockies and Dodgers at Coors Field.

Troy Tulowitzki grimaces after hitting a pop fly during the eighth inning of a game on July 22, 2013. (Denver Post file)

Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated doesn’t blurt rash opinions. The esteemed baseball writer speaks in measured tones so his answer to the Yankees’ replacement for Derek Jeter in 2015 created pause. Appearing on Mad Dog Sports radio Thursday, he said, without hesitation, the Rockies’ Troy Tulowitzki.

Jeter is retiring at season’s end, and the Yankees will seek a star to take over. The idea of acquiring Tulo makes sense at first glance, but may not be realistic. Of course the Yankees can afford Tulo’s contract, a stumbling block for many teams. The Rockies’ three-time all-star will be due $118 million after this season on a deal that runs through 2020 with a club option for 2021.

Jerry McMorris, then owner of the Colorado Rockies and seen at left, at Coors Field in 2001 when then-president George W. Bush watched a game in Denver.

Contrary to long-held belief, it was not former Boston Red Sox executive Larry Lucchino but a Denver Post headline writer who first referred to the Yankees as the “Evil Empire.” And it was Rockies owner Jerry McMorris who inspired the dastardly moniker on the pinstripes.

See, McMorris, who died today at 71, was a competitive son of a gun who had some Steinbrenner in him.

Here’s the setup: The Yankees were coming to Coors Field to play the Rockies in a June, 2002 inter-league series. That was the year the Rockies installed the humidor and Yankees owner George Steinbrenner told the Denver Post in the days leading up to the series that he didn’t like it.

The Denver Post story from June 20, 2002 is shown below. Notice the quote from a certain Yankee slugger named Jason Giambi.

PHOENIX — Commissioner Bud Selig said he expects more wild-card berths and a “modest addition” to use of instant replay in the future.

Selig was the brainchild of the wild-card, adding the extra postseason berth in 1995, which benefited the Rockies that season. Each league is expected to add another berth beginning next year, creating a field of 10. The mechanisms are unclear — if the two wild cards would play each other in a one or three-game series to advance, for instance.

PHOENIX — The All-Star Game has become more interesting for who’s not here. No Derek Jeter, No Alex Rodriguez, No Chipper Jones. Players were reluctant to criticize their brethren for skipping out on the Midsummer Classic. Troy Tulowitzki was never going to miss this game as long as his body cooperated.

“As soon as I played Saturday, I knew I would be here,” Tulowitzki said. “I have never even played in the game. And to get a chance to start I wasn’t to going to miss it.”

Tulowitzki shook his head when asked about his team’s first half. Several writers covering this game picked the Rockies to reach the World Series (For record, I had them winning 88 games as a wild-card entrant).

No, it isn’t a coincidence. Jeter is everything Tulo ever wanted to be: a hard-hitting shortstop, a Gold Glover and a team leader. So it was that Tulowitzki was excited to watch his hero surpass the 3,000-hit mark with a 5-for-5 performance at Yankee Stadium.

No. 3,000 was a home run, and let the record show that Tulo wasn’t surprised.

“That’s pretty cool,’’ said Tulowitzki. “I was tuned into all those at-bats and I was excited. People with the history he has just rise to the occasion. That’s 15 seasons of 200 hits. That’s not really possible unless you’re Ichiro. It just goes to show how long he’s been a good player.’’

ANAHEIM — Stopped National League manager Charlie Manuel to say Hello after the All-Star Game lineup press conference. Told him he made a great choice with Ubaldo Jimenez. Manuel, as most people do with me these days, had a bone to pick. He asked who wrote the piece after binocular gate, the one specifically saying the Rockies “should stop crying.”

I told him that I wrote that day, but didn’t use that quote out of context. The original story that hit the wire lumped in Manuel’s anger toward the Mets as if he was talking about the Rockies. I informed folks as much. It was misleading. Manuel reiterated again today that he didn’t know that the binoculars were being used by his bullpen coach and agreed they should not have been. He never suggested that the Rockies were whining about getting beat.

That was reserved for the Mets, who have had a running feud with the Phillies for three seasons. Manuel called Rockies manager Jim Tracy to explain that, but said he never heard back.

So let’s make sure the record is straight. Manuel didn’t dis the Rockies for complaining. He understood their concern. His anger boiled during a follow-up question that day at Coors Field involving the Mets. So there you have it.

Now on to some musings from the all-stars:

–Nick Swisher, Yankees. “Why is everyone so worried about me messing up my swing in the Home Run Derby? I am going to have a blast. Are you kidding me? This is going to be great. I am the smallest guy. I am the lighest guy. I am the true underdog.”

–Jose Valverde, Tigers. “I have to talk to that Ubaldo Jimenez. You see guys with 11 wins, sometimes 12. But 15? That’s too much. That’s not right.”

–Ty Wigginton, Orioles: “It seems like my entire career I have been involved in trade rumors. That’s just part of it. I am used to it.”

–CC Sabathia: “Of course, I think we have the team that can repeat.”

–Derek Jeter: “The only thing that has gotten in Tulo’s way is his health. When he’s on the field, he’s shown he can be one of the best players in the game.”

–Scott Boras, agent: “Carlos (Gonzalez) is not having a good year, he’s having a great year.”

–Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: “Tulo will be back. He’s a competitor. I talked to him last night. Obviously, he wants to be out there helping his team.”

–Justin Verlander, Tigers: “We weren’t thinking about the White Sox (three weeks ago). It’s not very often you see a team just flip a switch like that.”

–Josh Hamilton, Rangers: “Clint (Hurdle) is a great encourager. He communicates well with the hitters. And he’s the loudest human being I have ever heard in my life.”

No, Ubaldo Jimenez, the author of the above quote, didn’t sign a new multi-year contract Friday. He signed his contract with Topps trading cards, pocketing $500 for his efforts.

Yep, that’s the number: $500. That’s what Jimenez got, and it’s what every other Rockies player got.

“Whoever you are, Derek Jeter or anybody else, it’s 500 bucks,” said Joe Ribando, Topps’ director of player licensing, as he worked the Rockies’ clubhouse Friday morning. “We have a contract with the Players Association.”

Five hundred for a multi-millionaire ballplayer? Does Ribando ever get any complaints?

“About 10 percent,” he said. “But these guys (Rockies players) have been great.”

TUCSON — An eventful and enjoyable offseason came to an end when Troy Tulowitzki reported to Hi Corbett Field today.
The Rockies’ shortstop got married over the winter, held a baseball clinic with Derek Jeter, trained relentlessly, threw out the first pitch for Long Beach State and met with legendary basketball coach John Wooden.

Wooden regaled Tulowitzki with his stories last Friday in Southern California.

“Just to sit there and listen, you learn so much,” Tulowitzki said. “He’s a big baseball fan. He was talking about the Pirates once offered him a job. And he told them that he wasn’t sure who would get fired first the guy who hired or himself because he had never worked in baseball.”

Tulowitzki was memerized by all of the memorabilia in Wooden’s apartment. There were congratulatory letters from presidents and basketball artifacts. Tulowitzki always wanted to meet Wooden and finally sat down this winter and wrote him. Jeff Blank, Garrett Atkins’ agent, has UCLA contacts and made sure that Wooden received the letter. From there a meeting was set up.

“It was experience I will never forget,” Tulowitzki said.

Fowler in camp
Dexter Fowler joins Aaron Cook and Tulowitzki as players who are leaner and lighter this spring. Fowler reported last year at 193 pounds. He’s not at that mark this year, and is happy about it. “I feel like myself again. I felt too big before,” Fowler said. Fowler worked out for a month in California at agent Scott Boras’ headquarters. … Ryan Spilborghs arrived today. And yes, he did read the song suggestions for his batter clip. He told me that there were a few that he’s considering for his teammates. He already has a new clip in mind, but is keeping it secret. He loved the fans’ passion for the music. … Reliever Manuel Corpas’ hamstring feels better and he’s scheduled to throw his bullpen session, weather willing. He’s cold — 48 degrees — and there’s rain in the forecast.

DENVER — An open clubhouse at Coors Field provided an opportunity to catch up with several Rockies today. I will have more later on many of these topics, but wanted to give you folks a taste of some of the more notable tidbits:

–Aaron Cook has lost 16 pounds, dropping to 204. He was barely recognizable with his full head of hair and noticeably thinner face. Cook believes the weight loss can help him avoid injuries that have sidelined him at the end of the past few seasons. “I trained the same way. I just watched what I ate, and I stopped eating late. I feel really good.”

–Huston Street began the offseason looking for a contract between $24-$27 million. He didn’t think a deal would get done when the Rockies’ first offer was for $18 million. The sides bridged the gap, settling on a three-year, $22.5 million deal with a mutual option for $9 million and a $500,000 buyout. It happened for two reasons: Street really wanted to be a Rockie — “It doesn’t do much good to be on a team that’s not going to win. And this team is going to win a lot.” And the closer market next winter could have featured as many as six solid free agents, making it a bigger risk to wait.

–ESPN is reporting that Jose Contreras has signed with the Phillies. The Rockies wanted to bring him back, but the sides were far apart financially. The Phillies make sense for Contreras, who will be given an opporunity to start and relieve. The chance to start in Colorado, as it stands, wasn’t there.

–Todd Helton was able to do heavier lifting this year, his back less of an issue. But he conceded that he was tired at the end of last season. “I would like to do something special and hit a home run, and not just slap the ball (at the end of the year).” That may mean he’s rests more during the season, especially with Brad Hawpe slated to get some time at first base.

–Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez never considered saying no. He loves baseball, so he played winterball for six weeks in Venezuela. “It’s fun. It’s what I do,” said Gonzalez, who will be featured in some of the TV promo ads this year.

–Troy Tulowitzki conducted a baseball clinic in New York with his idol Derek Jeter. “It was great to get to know him a little better. Some guys don’t like to do stuff like that, but I am sure they knew how much I look up to Jeter. He’s everything right about baseball.”

–Eric Young Jr. left winter ball early because of a bruised knee as a precaution. He’s been training in Denver all month, and looks forward to the challenge ahead. He’s going to see time at third base and left field in spring training, along with second and center. “I played left in high school, so it won’t be a huge adjustment. Third base is new to me, but I an anxious to get out there. Junior will also be joining his dad at Fantasy Camp in Tucson. Eric Young Sr. has taken over the role of camp commissioner if you will.

–Jason Hammel said his arm has responded well to a career-high workload. He believes working out with catcher Chris Iannetta all winter will only help his development.

DENVER — Troy Tulowitzki is constantly compared in his career path to Evan Longoria, his good friend and former college teammate. Longoria won something Tuesday that Tulowitzki covets: his first Rawlings Gold Glove. Here’s a look at the AL winners. The NL winners will be announced Wednesday. Tulowitzki, Todd Helton, Clint Barmes are all candidates, though not favorites at their position.

NEW YORK — Derek Jeter won another award, this one among his most prestigious. He was named the Roberte Clemente award winner for his charitable work. St. Louis’ Albert Pujols claimed the award last season. Aaron Cook was the Rockies’ nominee.

Back on the field, the Yankees’ lineup has a twist. Struggling right fielder Nick Swisher is on the bench, replaced by Jerry Hairston Jr. Jose Molina, A.J. Burnett’s caddy, is back behind the plate, sending Jorge Posada to the pine. The Phillies’ lineup has a simple tweak, with Matt Stairs serving as the DH and Raul Ibanez back in left field.

NEW YORK — It’s raining. Been raining. Hasn’t stopped raining. So this is what a World Series would feel like in Seattle?
The bad news is, if you haven’t heard, it’s raining. The good news is that it’s not cold, the sun finally peeking its head out around 1:50 Mountain Time. This game should get in, with drizzle and temperatures in the 50s. Feels colder than that walking to and from subway stops, but I am not complaining given the snow back home.

My first impression of Yankees Stadium, “Wow.” As someone said, it’s the just like the old Yankee Stadium expect him in High Def. It is remarkable how much the venues look alike.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi, as most of you know, has a Rockies’ connection. He played for Colorado, and was jettisioned after his strong role in the labor stoppage during the 1994 season. Girardi remains close with Rockies’ great Dante Bichette, as documented by my colleague Irv Moss in The Denver Post. Girardi also has a brother that lives in Fort Collins and coaches youth baseball. Good guy and his son is a really good player.

Girardi had nothing but praise for the Phillies as you might expect. They are calling this the I-95 Series in some parts.
Said Girardi, “They are the defending champs. They earned their World Series title last year, earned the right to get back here. As far as having to beat the defending champs to be the champs, I don’t know that’s the case.”

ST. LOUIS — Mark McGwire, one of the game’s most star-crossed sluggers, is back in baseball. He returns as the Cardinals’ new hitting instructor under manager Tony La Russa, who officially signed a new contract today.

For the past few years, McGwire has been working underground with hitters, including Matt Holliday and Rockies’ third baseman Garrett Atkins. McGwire stayed out of the public eye for years after his testimony in front of Congress regarding the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Holliday struck up a friendship with Mac, and would receive text messages during the season. And a year ago, the two began working out in person in Southern California. Garrett Atkins also attended some of those BP sessions.

“Yeah, I hit with him several times. He is a hard worker and knows what he’s talking about,” Atkins said Monday.

Footnotes
GM Dan O’Dowd and manager Jim Tracy should receive their new contracts any day now. Given that Manny Acta received a three-year deal with an option from Cleveland, I can’t see Tracy settling for less than three years. Both will be back. The issue is the term of the contracts. … Atkins’ future with the Rockies is bleak. The team is expected to try and trade him over the next two months. If that doesn’t work, he’s a prime candidate to be non-tendered in December, making him a free agent. … Derek Jeter took notice of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki’s season. “He’s obviously very talented. All he has to do is stay healthy,” Jeter said. … New York natives JAY-Z and Alicia Keys will perform their hit single “Empire State of Mind,” from JAY-Z’s album The Blueprint 3 on the field at Yankee Stadium prior to Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday. Following their joint performance, Keys will sing the national anthem.

ANAHEIM — The Rockies didn’t lack cadidates, but their players are not among the finalist in the Players Choice Awards, in whch players recognize excellence among their peers. The winners will be announced next week on ESPN radio’s “Mike & Mike” program.

DENVER — Jason Giambi is lime green in a tan world. Or more appropriately, shining gold. The slugger held his first press conference as a Rockie today, talking about his willingness to play any role, to pinch-hit when necessary or fill in at first base. And of course, he talked about his golden thong. The thong, as my loyal readers might remember from my Sunday page a few years back, is broken out any time a guy is in a deep slump.

“A guy has never not gotten a hit when he’s worn it,” Giambi said. “But it is a desperation move.”

Giambi convinced Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon and Bernie Williams to wear it during his time with the Yankees. Giambi brought that with him and a smile to the Rockies’ clubhouse.

“The guys were excited to see me, and I am excited to be here. I remember talking to Todd (Helton) when the Rockies were in Oakland and he said what a great group of guys were here. That was one of the reasons I signed here,” said Giambi, who spent the past week sharpening his skills in Triple-A after a long layoff.

Giambi is prepared for his role as a pinch-hitter. Basically, contenders are looking for that Matt Stairs moment. Remember when Stairs beat the Dodgers in the playoffs last year with one swing. If Giambi gets one big hit, this experiment is worth it. He’s wearing No. 23 by the way.

In other notes, Dexter Fowler got his knee drained of fluid. He’s hoping to ride a stationary bike today, a clear sign that he’s making progress.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.